McCullum, 42, will take over for Australian Matthew Mott, who stepped down after this summer’s T20 World Cup. His dual role will start in January 2025.
McCullum, who has worked with captain Ben Stokes to oversee a dramatic turnaround for the Test team, says he is “energized” by the prospect of signing a new contract that will keep him with England until the end of 2027 and expand his role.
I’m excited to work closely with [captain] Jos Buttler and the team to build on the solid foundations, already in place and I’m ready to take on this new challenge.
The white-ball team’s next series against Australia and in the Caribbean, later this year will be coached by Marcus Trescothick in an acting capacity. McCullum’s first assignment will be a tour of India, before the Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February.
Mccullum Introduced Fearless Style of Cricket
‘Bazball’ refers to the fearless style of cricket, that McCullum has instilled in his team, which has seen England win 19 of their 28 Test matches since taking over a team that had only won one of its previous 17 matches.
England’s Test team scores an average of 4.57 runs per over under the New Zealander, up from 3.09 in their previous 29 Tests.
The style of play, that propelled England’s white-ball team from an embarrassing World Cup exit in 2015 to championship status in 2019 is also attributed to McCullum.
Many players from the World Cup-winning team are getting close to the end of their careers, so he inherits a squad that needs rejuvenation.
England won the T20 World Cup in Australia under Mott, who was named when the head coach positions were divided among the England team in 2022.
They only won three of their nine games, during the disastrous 50-over World Cup in India last year.
And after losing to eventual winners India in the semi-finals. They gave up the T20 title in the Caribbean and the United States in June.
McCullum will take a brief vacation at home in New Zealand following the conclusion of the Test series against Sri Lanka at The Oval next week. He will then rejoin the Test team for their winter tours of Pakistan in October and the three-match series against New Zealand in December.
After two unsuccessful World Cup campaigns, Matthew Mott was fired as head coach, and McCullum took over.
When the England Test series against Sri Lanka concludes next week, the 42-year-old is scheduled to return home to New Zealand. He will then travel to Pakistan and play the Black Caps in a Test series.
Rob Key, Managing Director of England Cricket
“Brendon’s decision to play both roles for England now makes me very happy. We are extremely fortunate in my opinion. That a coach of his caliber is willing to dedicate himself fully to English cricket.”
We are especially excited to be able to align all of the teams at this point and we are eager to take on any challenges that may arise.
The white-ball environment has been difficult for the past two years, due to frequent format collisions. Thankfully, these are beginning to lessen in January.
We’re convinced that, this restructuring will bring out the best in our players and coaching staff and the timing of the schedule [starting in January] will enable him to devote the required attention to both roles.
Stokes: Appointment For English Cricket
Ben Stokes, the captain of England’s red-ball team calls McCullum’s appointment an “unbelievable” step for English cricket and is eager for the white-ball team to feel his impact.
“I believe it is fantastic for cricket in England. It’s amazing what Baz has brought to this team, the members of the team, and the confidence he has given me and the team.”
“I am looking forward to the guys who are involved in the white-ball team to experience that as well. “He is a wonderful man and an amazing coach and I can’t wait for the white-ball team to advance with Baz and Jos (Buttler) leading the way.
He has undoubtedly accepted this challenge, because he believes he can contribute and make a difference.
You should look for that in a coach. Someone who will just step in, let things happen, and accept whatever comes to pass is not what you want.”Baz is a very driven individual who is committed to becoming a coach and having an impact wherever he goes in the world.
“It’s amazing that he’ll be coaching both English cricket teams.”
Morgan: McCullum is Best Coach
Last month, McCullum was hailed as “one of the best coaches in the world” by former England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan, who outlined him as the perfect Mott replacement.
The key question will be how he fits it in over the year, given what he did with the Test team, Morgan said.
“You’re talking about titles like the Champions Trophy and World Cups. This isn’t a place where a young man should enter.”
“I’ve played with Brendon, and we’ve seen his successes over the years with New Zealand cricket.
He’s a highly regarded, extremely adaptable and more than capable coach, who has improved the Test side.
